A Moray teenager is battling back from horrific injuries she suffered in a car crash which killed her friend.
Fourteen-year-old Nyah McKay’s neck was broken in two places in the smash and she was airlifted to hospital in Glasgow in a “life-threatening” condition.
Her pal Neringa Narusyte, who was also 14, died at the scene of the accident.
Nyah has now been moved out of intensive care but has been left devastated by her young friend’s death.
The Buckie High School S3 pupil is still being treated for a lacerated liver and spleen, broken ribs and a broken pelvis.
While she was having a halo fitted to help her neck heal, the teenager lost oxygen and had to undergo an emergency operation to help her breathe.
But in an online message thanking friends and family for their support, her mother Lesa Walker revealed she was “out of intensive care and into the ward”.
But she added that her daughter was nursing a “broken heart” over Neringa’s death.
She said: “She still has a long way to go in recovering, and we will get there eventually.
“Every day is a blessing, but she not only has all her injuries to deal with – she has a broken heart too at losing her beautiful friend Neringa.”
The fatal crash – involving a Vauxhall Corsa and a Nissan Terrano – happened around 10.30pm on Wednesday, October 26 on the B9016 Buckie-Keith road near Rye Riggs at Aultmore.
Three other teenagers – a 16-year-old girl, a 17-year-old girl and the 17-year-old youth who was driving the Corsa – were also hurt.
The 42-year-old driver of the Nissan suffered minor injuries.
People in Moray have allied round the families of the young victims and more than £6,500 has been donated to help them.
Almost 350 people have contributed to an appeal and it has raised more than triple its original target of £2,000.
Ms Walker said that she had been taken aback by the outpouring of support.
She added: “I am truly overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness, thoughts and prayers for Nyah.
“I am astounded by everyone’s generosity at this tragic and horrific time we are going through.
“Our community has shone through for us, and I have no words left for how grateful and thankful we are to everyone that has helped us.”
Animal lover Neringa was originally from Lithuania.
Friends and family have left tributes to her at the accident scene.
Buckie High organised a special bus to take pupils from the school to Moray Crematorium for her funeral last week.
Mourners were asked to wear dark colours to reflect the teenager’s dress sense.
Donations collected during the service will go to the RSPCA, a cause which was close to the teenager’s heart.
Neringa’s mum Ilona Narusiene said her daughter “would always be loved and remembered”.
Police have urged anyone with information on the accident to contact them on 101.
